Packaging for stacks of imaging material

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a package assembly for stacks of imaging material. The packaging assembly comprises a master carton that retains stacks of imaging material and a separation access band. The separation access band separates the stacks from one another within the master carton.

BACKGROUND

Imaging systems use print media for receiving ink droplets or tonerparticles to create a printed image. The print media includes stacks ofsheet substrate or continuous print web media that are cut, packaged anddistributed for use according to specific standards. The packaging usedto transport large quantities of cut-sheet print media for printing cangenerate a great amount of packaging material waste. During shipping,the packaging secures the print media from being damaged, and furtherenables handling and loading upon arrival at a destination.

Sheet substrates, such as white sheets of paper, composite materials, orfilm substrates, are commonly cut in A/A4-sized photocopy or othercustom formats, and then, transported in boxes, in which each boxcontains five to ten paper bundles or reams. The reams are furtherwrapped in individual paper wrappings and/or films, which are known asream wraps. Each ream package can contain, for example, 500 A/A4-sizedsheets or other custom sized sheets. However, one of the difficultieswith ream packaging is the relatively large amounts of paper, composite,film, or media used to transport sheet substrate to desktop printers,faxes and photocopiers. In addition, access to the ream packages is notvery efficient when multiple ream packages are being removed and beingdisposed of.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that manufactures a packagingassembly in accordance with various aspects of embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example packaging assembly in accordance withvarious aspects of embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example packaging assembly in accordance withvarious aspects of embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a ream wrapped stack of imaging mediain accordance with prior art.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an example packaging assembly inaccordance with various embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a flow diagram showing an example of anon-limiting embodiment for manufacturing a packaging assembly inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a flow diagram showing an exampleof a non-limiting embodiment for manufacturing a packaging assembly inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more implementations of the present disclosure are described withreference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals areused to refer to like elements throughout. Packaging helps to keepstacks integral and aid in separating a convenient amount of imagingmedia. For example, moisture, dust, vibration, or shock could bedetrimental to the stacks of imaging media, and impede subsequent use ofthe material for a customer.

Imaging media, such as sheets of paper, composite or translucent film,for example, allow for transferring ink jet droplets or toner particlesto create, copy, or recreate a multitude of various images (e.g.,textual images, graphic images, captured images such as photo images,symbols, etc.). The volume of imaging media used throughout the world islarge enough that some international standard bodies have createdrecommendations for units to be used in packaging for shipment andtransportation of the imaging media. For example, one ream is consideredequal to 20 quires, which, in turn, is equal to 500 sheets of paper.Because of certain standards, recommendations, as well as the hazardsmentioned, the dimensions of stacks of imaging media have influenced thedesign of the cartons carrying the stacks. The master cartons, forexample, can tightly package the stacks of imaging media. Each stack caninclude multiple sheets of paper (e.g., 500 sheets or some other numberof sheets). For users that only load a few stacks at a time into printersystems or printer trays, the tight packaging is not as burdensome toentities that can load larger amounts and the amount of ream wrapmaterial left over from each stack is not as large. Therefore, anefficient packaging assembly is desirable that enables ease in accessingthe stacks of imaging media or imaging material, while also reducingwaste generated from transporting the imaging media from origination toa consumption and use destination point.

Aspects of examples for some embodiments discussed below relate topackaging assemblies, master cartons and manufacturing packagingassemblies. For example, a packaging assembly includes a master cartonthat secures stacks of imaging media, such as sheet substrate,composite, translucent substrate, and/or other similar imaging materialthat allows for printing on the surfaces. A separation access bandprovides a single layer of a pre-printed easy separation and access band(e.g., a separation access band) that separates the stacks of imagingmedia from one another and further offers protection from hazards (e.g.,vibration, disorientation, etc.) during transport and storage at adestination.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example of a high level blockdiagram of a system 100 that manufactures a packaging assembly inaccordance with various embodiments that are disclosed. In one exampleconfiguration, the system 100 comprises a computing and control device102 to implement assembly of a packaging assembly controls. Thecomputing and control device 102 includes at least one processing unit104 and memory 106. Example computing devices include, but are notlimited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptopdevices, multiprocessor systems, consumer electronics, mini computers,mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include anyof the above systems or devices, and the like. A memory 106 can bevolatile (e.g., RAM), non-volatile (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.) orsome combination of the two. This configuration is illustrated as anexample by dashed line 108.

The computing and control device 102 can include additional featuresand/or functionality. For example, device 102 can also includeadditional storage 110 (e.g., removable and/or non-removable) including,but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, and the like.Computer readable instructions to implement manufacture of packagingassemblies including a master carton and separation access band forstacks of imaging media can be stored in storage 110. Storage 110 canalso store other computer readable instructions to implement anoperating system, an application program, and the like. Computerreadable instructions can be loaded in memory 106 for execution byprocessing unit 104, for example.

The term “computer readable media” as used herein includesnon-transitory computer readable storage media and communication media.Computer readable storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions or other data. Memory 106 and storage 110 are examples ofcomputer readable storage media. Computer readable storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium, whichcan be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by thecomputing and control device 102. Any such computer readable storagemedia can be part of computing and control device 102.

Device 102 can also include communication component(s) 116 that allowscomputing and control device 102 to communicate with other devices, suchas a ream packaging assembly device or a sheeter device 120 formanufacturing a package assembly 130 with a PLC or assembly language.Communication component(s) 116 can include, but is not limited to, amodem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface,a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USBconnection, or other interfaces for connecting computing and controldevice 102 to other computing devices and controllers. Communicationcomponent(s) 116 can include a wired connection or a wirelessconnection. Communication component (s) 116 can transmit and/or receivecommunication data and media.

Computing and control device 102 can include input device(s) 112 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, infraredcameras, video input devices, and/or any other input device. Outputdevice(s) 114 such as one or more displays, speakers, printers, and/orany other output device can also be included with computing and controldevice 102.

Storage devices utilized to store computer readable instructions can bedistributed across a network. For example, the packaging assembly device120 accessible via a network, a wired connection, or a wirelessconnection can store computer readable instructions to implementmanufacture of a package assembly 130. The assembly device 120 canaccess computing and control device 102 and download a part or all ofthe computer readable instructions for execution of methods, which arediscussed in further detail infra.

In one example of an embodiment, the ream packaging assembly device 120is coupled to an assembly out-feed 122 that carries a discharge reamstream 124 from the sheeter device 120 having multiple stacks of imagingmedia, such with stacks of sheets of substrate. A diverter actuator 128diverts each stack, such as a diverted stack 126 downstream until thediverted stack 126 reaches a separator 132. The separator 132 separateseven and odd stacks of imaging media into two different directions, suchas with an arm or a platen (not shown). For example, a first stack ofimaging media 134 is separated into an even direction and a second stackof imaging media is separated into an odd direction. An odd stack ofimaging media 142 is then translated into the packaging assembly 130 bythe odd actuator 138, while an even stack of imaging media 144 istranslated into the packaging assembly 130.

The packaging assembly 130 represents the final product of the system100 where stacks of imaging material produced by the sheeter device 120are positioned alongside (e.g., above and below) one another to form aplurality of stacks (e.g., five stacks, ten stacks, etc.). The pluralityof stack of imaging material are secured with a separation access band(not shown), which is further discussed below. After the stackingprocess is complete, a packaging controller 150 controls the erection ofa master carton (e.g., a corrugated cardboard or other rigid barriermaterial) around the plurality of stacks to generate a final product ormaster packaging assembly that is ready for shipping and/ordistribution, after palletization.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the packaging assembly 130 inaccordance with aspects of various embodiments disclosed. The packagingassembly 130 includes a master carton 202, a separation access band 204and stacks 206 (e.g., reams) of a plurality of stacks 208 comprisingimaging media. The packaging assembly is illustrated from a threedimensional perspective viewed from a frontal view 210 of the mastercarton 202 without a front side as designated by a dashed perimeter line212 indicating where a front side of the master carton 202 is located.

Imaging media can include printable sheet substrates of paper and/orfilm for receiving images generated by the transfer of toner, ink orother image forming substance. The stacks 206 of the plurality of stacks208 include imaging media. The master carton 202 comprises various rigidsurfaces forming a container structure that supports the plurality ofstacks 208 of imaging media. For example, the master carton 202 includesa first rigid compound surface 214 and a second rigid surface 216. FIG.2 illustrates the first rigid surface 214 and the second rigid surfaceas respectively comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, in whichthe bottom surface provides structural support underneath the bottomsurfaces of the plurality of stacks 208, such as for transport.Additionally, the first rigid surface 214 and the second rigid surface216 can comprise side surfaces, such as a left side and right side ofthe master carton 202, front and back surfaces (not shown).

Although the master carton 202 is illustrated as a cube or box shape asan example, other geometries are also envisioned that are not exactly acube or box, such as rectangular and other shapes that can retain theplurality of stacks 208. The first rigid surface 214 and the secondrigid surface are substantially opposite to one another. For example, ina closed state where the master carton 202 is not opened on any side thefirst rigid surface 214 faces substantially opposite to the second rigidsurface. The first rigid surface 214 and the second rigid surface 216are rigid enough to structurally support the plurality of stacks 208within the master carton 202.

Rigid is a relative term as used herein that can include semi-rigidness(i.e., not devoid of flexibility), and is meant to define a stiffsurface, a stiff plane and/or a stiff area of the master carton 202, inwhich can or cannot be devoid of all flexibility. For example, the firstrigid surface 214, the second rigid surface 216 and/or the master carton202 can be rigid to provide structure with materials such as paper,cardboard, corrugated cardboard or other materials having polymers, inwhich each can be rigid by being completely rigid or semi-rigid withflexibility enough to not break under a pressure or a weight. The mastercarton 202 further includes a first side wall 218 on the right side anda second side wall 220 on the left side, which can also be rigid tostructurally support the master carton 202.

The packaging assembly 130 further includes the separation access band204 that separates the stacks 206 from one another. For example, thestacks 206 are divided by the separation access band 204 so that thestacks 206 can comprise a predetermined number of sheet substrates asimaging material (e.g., 500 sheets, 480 sheets or some other requirednumber of sheets), in which the stacks are at least partiallydistinguished from one another by the separation access band 204. In oneexample, the separation access band 204 secures the different stacks toseparate and secure the stacks together. The separation access band 204can span at least the width of each stack and/or be a band of materialthat is smaller than the width of each stack of imaging material. Theseparation access band further comprises a pre-printed band thatprovides easy access to each stack of imaging media in the plurality ofstacks 208.

The separation access band 204 at least partially extends transverselyacross a top and bottom surface of at least one stack of the pluralityof stacks 208. For example, the separation access band 204 can form apocket 222 for respective stacks of imaging material. The pocket 222 canextend over the entire top and bottom surface of at least one stack orpartially extend over the top and bottom surfaces of at least one stack206 of the plurality of stacks 208.

In one example of an embodiment, the pockets 222 of the separationaccess band 204 are formed with folds, such as a fold 224. The folds 224can be formed at various angles, which can be uniform throughout thefolds 224 of the separation access band 204, can be a diversity ofdifferent angles throughout the band 204, or have no sharp angles (e.g.,without crease or fold) to form the pockets with a continuous smoothlayer. For example, although each fold 224 of the separation access band204 is illustrated at a perpendicular or ninety-degree angle, otherangles are also envisioned that can form the pockets 222, in which eachpocket of the separation access band 204 securely retains each stack 206within the master carton 202.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example of aspects ofpackaging assembly 130 in accordance with various embodiments disclosed.The master carton 202 of the packaging assembly 130 includes at leastone flap 302 that is illustrated in a partially open position and formsa top rigid surface of the master carton 202.

In one example, the separation access band 204 wraps around the top andbottom surfaces of the stacks 206 of imaging media in a zigzag pattern308. For example, the separation access band 204 at least partiallyribbons across a top surface 306 and a bottom surface 304 of each stack206. The separation access band 204 thus secures each stack of imagemedia from vibration and shock during loading, delivery and storagebefore being used for printing. In addition, the separation access band204 reduces the amount of material (e.g., paper) used for securing theplurality of stacks 208 in the master carton 202 because ream wrap is nolonger needed. In addition, the packaging assembly 130 manufacturingprocesses inherently increase the process throughput, in speed sinceexcess packaging is substantially eliminated. Although five stacks 206of imaging media are illustrated, more or less stacks of imaging mediacan be within the master carton 202 and wrapped with the separationaccess band 204.

In another example of an embodiment, the separation access band 204 hasa first end 310 and a second end 312. The second end 312 attaches at thebottom of the master carton at the second rigid surface 216. Theseparation access band 204 also attaches at the top surface of themaster carton with the first end 310 at the flap 302. For example, thefirst end 310 and the second end 312 are attached by an adhesivematerial, such as a mechanical or chemical adhesive (e.g., glue, tape,etc.), at an endpoint or at an end portion, in which the first end 310and the second end 312 respectively comprise a lifting mechanism for thestacks.

In one embodiment, the first end 310 of the separation access band 204is removable so that at delivery destination or at a time of use thefirst end 310 can be pulled off to expose a top stack 314 of imagingmedia. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the flap 302 in an open position,which is different from FIG. 2 where the top rigid surface 214 is in aclosed position without exposing the flap 302. When the flap 302 isopened and at least partially in an open position the first end 310 isalso exposed.

Additionally, in another embodiment, for example, the first end 316 isattached to the flap 302 so that a top portion 316 of the separationaccess band 204 is at least partially lifted up. The lifted up topportion 316 thus is not substantially parallel to the plurality ofstacks 208, which enables a user to grab hold of the separation accessband 204 to separate the first end 310 from the flap 302. The flap 302includes a rotational hinge portion 318 that allows the flap to open andclose by rotationally hinging around the side wall 218, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a ream package wrap assembly 400 of prior art forcomparison to aspects of embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5 below. Theream package wrap assembly 400 has a ream wrap 402 that encases a stackof sheet paper (not shown) inside the ream wrap 402.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of example embodiments of packaging assembly130 with the plurality of stacks 208 of imaging media and the separationaccess band 204 that surrounds the stacks of the plurality of stacks 208in a zigzag pattern. The separation access band 204 comprises acomposite, paper or a film material that retains and secures theplurality of stacks 208 within a master carton (not shown).

Instead of using ream package wrap to secure the stacks of imagingmedia, the separation access band secures, separates and divides thestacks 206 from one another. Consequently, the use of packaging materialis reduced, and the time for packaging and shipping stacks of imagingmedia is shortened. Furthermore, the separation access band 204 allowsthe user to lift the stack 206 for convenient access.

FIG. 5 further illustrates manufacturing acts according to variousembodiments disclosed herein. The packaging assembly 130 includes stacksof imaging media (e.g., sheet substrate) in the plurality of stacks 208that comprise no ream wrap compared to FIG. 4. The separation accessband 204 secures the stacks of imaging material and protects frompossible vibration damage, and the ream wrap packaging waste can beeliminated.

At least one stack of the plurality of stacks 208 is positioned in afirst direction 502 and at least one other stack in a second direction504, such as with packaging assembly device. For example, a bottom stack506 is positioned in the first direction 502 over the separation accessband 204. The bottom stack 506 is then decremented in height, such aswith a lowering table (not shown). A second stack 508 is positioned inthe second direction 504 that is approximately opposite with respect tothe first direction 502. A third stack 510 is then moved in the firstdirection 502, a fourth stack is moved in the second direction 504 and afifth stack 514 is moved in the first direction 502. With eachpositioning of the stacks located above the bottom stack 506, theseparation access band 204 is moved across the top of the lower stackand traverses the bottom of the stack being positioned. For example, thesecond stack 508 is used to move the separation access band 204 across atop surface 520 while the second stack 508 is being positioned from thesecond direction 504. Additionally, as the second stack 508 ispositioned, the separation access band 204 is traversed across the topsurface 520 and a bottom surface 522 of the second stack 508. Theprocess continues similarly until the third stack 510, the fourth stack512 and the fifth stack 514 are in position and the separation accessband 204 is configured in a zigzag pattern that secures the stacks fromvibration damage or disorientation.

As stated above, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedto five stacks of imaging material and other numbers of a plurality ofstack of imaging material or imaging media are also envisioned (e.g.,more than five or less than five in number).

In another example of embodiments disclosed, the separation access band204 is approximately symmetrical on a bottom half 516 and a top half518. For example, the separation access band 204 has the first end 310and the second end 312 that respectively attach proximate to the sameside wall of the master carton. Therefore, for each package assembly 130that is manufactured some package assemblies can have both ends of theseparation access band 204 proximate to the one side while otherpackaging assemblies can have both ends of the separation access band204 attached proximately to another side.

The separation access band 204 includes a first fold 524 that isproximately located to the first end 310 and a second fold 526 that isproximate to the second end 312. The first fold 524 and the second fold526 in another example are located on a same side (e.g., the first wall218 of the master carton 202 of FIG. 3), such that the bottom half 516and the top half 518 of the separation access band can be approximatelysymmetrical. Alternatively, the first end 310 and the second end 312 arenot symmetrical and either end or end portion of the separation accessband 204 can be attached to the master carton 202 proximate to oppositeside flaps.

While the methods described within this disclosure are illustrated inand described herein as a series of acts or events, it will beappreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are notto be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts can occurin different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apartfrom those illustrated and/or described herein.

An example methodology 600 for implementing a method for manufacturing apackaging assembly is illustrated in FIG. 6. At 602, a packagingassembly device operated by at least one processor to executeinstructions stored in a memory positions a stack of a plurality ofstacks of imaging media with a separation access band. For example, afirst or bottom stack of imaging media (e.g., sheets of substrate,paper, etc.) is positioned with the separation access band so that thefirst stack has the separation access band traverse across a bottom ofthe stack.

At 604, an additional stack of imaging media is positioned above thestack of imaging media. At 606, the separation access band is traversedacross a top surface and a bottom surface of the stack of imaging mediaand the additional stack of imaging media respectively. For example,while the additional stack is positioned on top of or above the stackunderneath, the additional stack is rigid enough to also concurrentlytraverse the separation access band 204 over the top surface of thefirst stack and the bottom surface of the additional or second stack ofimaging material. Therefore, the separation access band zigzags aroundthe bottoms and tops of each stack of imaging material to secure thestacks in place and protect from shock and vibration within a mastercarton.

FIG. 7 illustrates aspects of examples of further embodiments of amethod for manufacturing a packaging assembly disclosed herein. At 702,a stack of imaging media is positioned with a separation access band(e.g., a film, corrugated paper, ribbon, and other flexible materials)for securing a plurality of stacks of imaging medium. At 704, anadditional stack of imaging media is positioned above the first stack ofimaging media. At 706, the separation access band is traversed across abottom surface of the additional stack of imaging media. At 708, adecision is made whether the stack is complete. If the answer isnegative (e.g., no), then the method 700 flows to 704 and an additionalstack of imaging media is position above the first stack of imagingmedia. Any number of stacks of imaging media is thus able to bepositioned above the first stack at the bottom of a plurality of stacks.The method 700 flows again to 706 where the separation access band istraversed across a bottom surface of the additional stack of imagingmaterial, which forms a zigzag pattern among the plurality of stacks.

If the answer to the decision at 708 is positive (e.g., yes), then amaster carton is erected around the plurality of stacks of imagingmedia. The master carton includes a top rigid surface and a bottom rigidsurface, in which the first stack is placed on top with the separationaccess band. At 712, a first end of the separation access band isattached to the top rigid surface. Further, a second end of theseparation access band can be attached to a bottom rigid surface of themaster carton.

In one example of an embodiment, a plurality of folds are formed alongthe separation access band to further form pockets that separate andsecure the plurality of stacks of imaging media from one another. Inanother embodiment, positioning the stack of imaging media comprisespositioning the stack of imaging media in a first direction, andpositioning the additional stack of imaging media comprises positioningthe additional stack of imaging media in a second direction thatsubstantially opposes the first direction. For example, each stack ofimaging material is positioned in a different direction than the stackbeneath so that the stacks are used to move the separation access bandin a zigzag fashion that ribbons across the surfaces of each stack andsecures the plurality of stacks of imaging medium tightly.

In another embodiment, a first end of the separation access band isattached to a flap of the top rigid surface that provides access to themaster carton. The top surface of the master carton can have one or moreflaps, which form a top closure or top opening to the master carton. Inone example, a fold is generated at the first end attached to the flapthat enables the separation access band that traverses a top surface ofthe plurality of stacks to partially lift in response to the flap beingopened. A person is thus able to pull the top portion of the separationaccess band or peal it off the flap to reveal the top stack of imagingmedia.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-describedexamples. All such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded herein within the scope of the disclosure and protected by thefollowing claims. It will be noted that the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging assembly, comprising: a master cartonthat retains a plurality of stacks comprising imaging material; and aseparation access band having a first end and a second end thatseparates at least one stack of the plurality of stacks from oneanother, the separation access band comprising a plurality of foldsforming a plurality of pockets that separate the plurality of stackswithin the master carton.
 2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, thefirst end of the separation access band being connected to a first rigidsurface of the master carton and the second end of the separation accessband being connected to a second rigid surface of the master carton thatis substantially opposite to the first rigid surface.
 3. The packagingassembly of claim 2, the first rigid surface comprising a top portion ofthe master carton, the top portion comprising at least one flap thatrotationally hinges along a side wall of the master carton and isconnected to the first end of the separation access band.
 4. Thepackaging assembly of claim 2, the separation access band comprising aprotective film or corrugated paper that substantially secures theplurality of stacks from vibration and shock, each stack of theplurality of stacks comprising a plurality of sheet substrate thatcomprises the imaging material.
 5. The packaging assembly of claim 1,the separation access band transversely extending across a top surfaceand a bottom surface of the at least one stack of the plurality ofstacks to form a zigzag pattern within the master carton.
 6. A mastercarton, comprising: a first rigid surface; a second rigid surfacesubstantially opposite to the first rigid surface; a separation accessband comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and aprotection layer that separates stacks of imaging material from oneanother between the first rigid surface and the second rigid surface,the protection layer comprising at least one fold that orients theseparation access band in a zigzag pattern to separate the stacks fromone another.
 7. The master carton of claim 6, the first rigid surfacecomprising a top surface having at least one flap with a rotationalhinge portion connected along a side wall of the master carton and thatis attached to the first end of the separation access band.
 8. Themaster carton of claim 7, the second end of the separation access bandbeing attached to the second rigid surface that comprises a bottomsurface.
 9. The master carton of claim 8, the protection layer comprisesa first fold that is proximate to the first end and a second fold thatis proximate to the second end of the separation access band, the firstfold and the second fold being located on a same side of the mastercarton as the first wall.
 10. The master carton of claim 1, the at leastone fold of the protection layer forming a plurality of pockets thatseparate the stacks from one another within the master carton, theprotection layer comprising a continuous sheet of film material orcorrugated paper that transversely extends along a top surface and abottom surface of the stacks.
 11. A method for manufacturing a packagingassembly, comprising: positioning, by a packaging assembly deviceoperated by at least one processor to execute instructions stored in amemory, a stack of a plurality of stacks of imaging media with aseparation access band; positioning an additional stack of imaging mediaabove the stack of imaging media; and traversing the separation accessband across a top surface and a bottom surface of the stack of imagingmedia and the additional stack of imaging media respectively.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising: erecting a master cartoncomprising a top rigid surface around the plurality of stacks of imagingmedia; and attaching a first end of the separation access band to thetop rigid surface and attaching a second end of the separation accessband to a bottom rigid surface of the master carton.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: forming a plurality of folds along theseparation access band to further form pockets that separate and securethe plurality of stacks of imaging media from one another.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, the positioning the stack of imaging mediacomprising positioning the stack of imaging media in a first direction,and the positioning the additional stack of imaging media comprisespositioning the additional stack of imaging media in a second directionthat substantially opposes the first direction.
 15. The method of claim11, further comprising: attaching a first end of the separation accessband to a flap of the top rigid surface that provides access to andprovides a top closure to the master carton; and generating a fold atthe first end attached to the flap that enables the separation accessband that traverses a top surface of the plurality of stacks topartially lift in response to the flap being opened.